Mayoral Proclamation Designates New York Songwriter Week at NMPA Annual Meeting

New York City –- Yesterday afternoon, at the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) Centennial Annual Meeting in Manhattan, New York City Commissioner of Media and Entertainment Julie Menin announced a Mayoral Proclamation designating New York Songwriter Week, a recurring event that will take place each June during New York Music Month. 

New York Music Month, produced by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and NY is Music, is the first-ever citywide celebration of New York City’s diverse music ecosystem, across all five boroughs with programming and resources for musicians and the music industry; co-branded concerts; social media campaigns; a website with a comprehensive calendar of free and ticketed music events; educational programs; and much more.

The newly announced New York Songwriter Week formalizes what has grown into one of the most important weeks for songwriters, music publishers, and related businesses in the United States. In addition to the NMPA Annual Meeting and the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Gala, the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has launched an Indie Music Publishing Summit.

On June 14, NMPA, the leading advocate for music publishers and their songwriting partners, celebrated its 100th anniversary at The Cipriani 42nd Street, honoring Centennial Songwriter Icon Pharrell, Sony/ATV Chairman & CEO Martin Bandier, songwriter and ASCAP President Paul Williams, and Congressman Marsha Blackburn. “Imagine” was honored as the NMPA Centennial Song and credit was given to Yoko Ono for co-writing the song with John Lennon.

Additionally, tonight the Songwriters Hall of Fame will induct hometown hero, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Berry Gordy, Robert Lamm & James Pankow (Chicago)and Max Martin at the Marriott Marquis Times Square with special honorees Pitbull and Ed Sheeran.

This years’ NYC Songwriter Week will have over 2000 attendees at these and other events celebrating both emerging and legendary songwriters, as well as the music publishers who support them.

“The songs we all love to sing and dance to start with the creative act of writing it down," said Media & Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin. "I am so pleased to name this week New York Songwriter Week as part of the first annual New York Music Month. I look forward to honoring these talented artists for years to come"

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite added, “We thank the New York City Mayor’s Office and Commissioner Menin for their commitment to honoring songwriters through this proclamation. All music starts with songwriters, and they deserve special recognition of their contributions. This designation will shine a spotlight on them and highlight the many events and opportunities for music creators during this specific week in June. Music has always been a fundamental part of the New York’s culture and we greatly appreciate the City’s willingness to title this great time, which will grow even greater each year.” 

NY is Music Co-Founder and Downtown Music Publishing CEO Justin Kalifowitz said, “For nearly fifty years, the NMPA and the Songwriters Hall of Fame have convened the broader music industry here in New York to celebrate the important work of our songwriting partners. This proclamation is a testament to the art and business of songwriting and its long-standing importance to New York City. We look forward to many more successful New York Songwriter Weeks to come!” 

Songwriters Hall of Fame President & CEO Linda Moran added, "The Songwriters Hall of Fame's Annual Induction & Awards Gala has long been the nucleus of what will now be known as New York Songwriter Week. Our mission is to honor the contributions of our great songwriters who have written the soundtrack for our nation's history. Tin Pan Alley and the Brill Building, home to many of those songwriters, dominated the popular music of the United States for decades. It is only right that we celebrate the contributions of great songwriters as well having opportunities for up-and-coming ones to showcase and develop their talents. As we always say, "It all begins with a song!"

Top photo: Julie Menin and David Israelite

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About NY is Music

NY is Music is dedicated to advancing the importance of music in economic development, culture, and education in New York. Working with over 200 businesses and institutions encompassing every facet of New York's multi-dimensional music industry, the organization focuses on identifying and increasing awareness of the music industry's cultural and economic impact, creating new networks of common interest, promoting music education, and supporting the future of New York's diverse music ecosystem. NY is Music was established by Bill Harvey and Justin Kalifowitz in 2014.